🫒 Description

These Mediterranean pita boats are filled with deeply spiced ground lamb (or beef), pan-seared until caramelized, then layered with crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, creamy feta, and a silky homemade tzatziki sauce. Warm, lightly grilled pita bread brings everything together for a restaurant-quality dish that’s bold, fresh, and comforting.

Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you want authentic Mediterranean flavors at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Spiced Meat Filling

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground lamb or ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground allspice (optional but recommended)
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Creamy Mediterranean Tzatziki

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

For Assembly

  • 4–6 pita breads
  • 1½ cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Extra olive oil for brushing
  • Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki (Do This First)

  1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill/mint, and salt.
  3. Mix well until smooth.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this enhances flavor).

2. Cook the Mediterranean Spiced Meat

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground lamb/beef and break it up with a spoon.
  5. Cook until browned and slightly crispy in spots (8–10 minutes).
  6. Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  8. Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley.
  9. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Warm the Pita Bread

  • Brush pita lightly with olive oil.
  • Grill on a pan or open flame for 30–45 seconds per side until warm and lightly charred.
  • Cut gently to create “pita boats” if desired.

4. Assemble the Mediterranean Pita Boats

  1. Start with a layer of shredded lettuce inside the warm pita.
  2. Spoon in the hot spiced meat generously.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes and red onion slices.
  4. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
  5. Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta.
  6. Finish with chopped herbs and a final drizzle of olive oil.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with lemon-roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or hummus & olives
  • Pair with sparkling water with lemon or dry white wine
  • Add pickled vegetables or olives for extra Mediterranean flair

⭐ Pro Tips

  • Lamb gives the most authentic Mediterranean flavor, but beef works beautifully.
  • Let the meat caramelize—don’t rush stirring.
  • Always salt cucumbers before squeezing for thicker tzatziki.
  • Warm pita makes a huge difference in texture and taste.

If you’d like, I can also:
✔️ Make this 100% authentic Greek-style
✔️ Turn it into a healthy/low-carb version
✔️ Adapt it for chicken or vegetarian